Imitation candle device with enhanced control features

ABSTRACT

Imitation candle devices and systems with enhanced features are described that facilitate operation and usage of electronic candles. The disclosed features include blow sensors that are positioned inside of the imitation candle device, or within an associated remote control device, to enable the electronic candle to be turned on or off remotely, when a user blows into the candle or the remote control devices. Additionally, the imitation candle can be turned on or off by a simple user action, such as touching the imitation candle device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document claims priority to the Chinese patent applicationno. CN201610261921.2 filed on Apr. 25, 2016. The entire contents of thebefore mentioned patent application is incorporated by reference in thispatent document.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The subject matter of this patent document relates to a candle devicesthat use an imitation flame, and particularly, to features that controlthe operation of imitation candle devices.

BACKGROUND

Traditional true flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant ambience inmany homes, hotels, churches, businesses, etc. Traditional candles,however, provide a variety of hazards including risk of fire, damage tosurfaces caused by hot wax, and the possible emission of soot. Flamelesscandles have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditionalcandles. With no open flame or hot melted wax, flameless candles providea longer-lasting, safe, and clean alternative. Such imitation candledevices often include light sources, such as LEDs, and includeelectronic circuits that control the operation the imitation candledevice.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed embodiments relate to devices and methods for facilitatingthe operations and usage of electronic candle devices. The disclosedfeatures enable an electronic candle device to be turned on or offremotely, by a simple user's actions including touching the imitationcandle device, or blowing at the imitation candle or an associatedremote control device.

One exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to animitation candle device that includes a body, a flame element protrudingfrom top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminatethe flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame, asensor positioned within the body to detect a blow of air directed atthe imitation candle device, and electronic circuitry positioned withinthe body to receive electrical signals produced by the sensor and tomodify an output light of the one or more light sources in response todetection of the blow.

Another exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to animitation candle system that includes an imitation candle device and aportable electronic device wirelessly coupled to the imitation candledevice. The imitation candle device in such a system includes a body, aflame element protruding from top of the body, one or more light sourcespositioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of atrue fire flame, and electronic circuitry positioned within the body tocontrol at least the an output of the one or more light sources, theelectronic circuitry including a wireless receiver to receive wirelesssignals. The portable electronic device of this system includes adisplay, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory includingprocessor executable code. The processor executable code, when executedby the processor, configures the portable electronic device to present agraphical user interface on the display. The graphical user displayincludes buttons or fields that allow activation of a blow off featureof the imitation candle device on the electronic device, and one or moreof the following operations of the imitation candle device: a power-onor power-off operation, a selection of a particular imitation candledevice, a selection of a timer feature, a setting of a timer value, aselection of a light intensity level, an adjustment of a light intensitylevel, a selection of a movement of the flame element, a setting of alevel of movement of the flame element, or a selection of a group ofimitation candle devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imitation candle device with anassociated remote control device.

FIG. 2(A) illustrates certain components including a support mechanismfor an artificial flame element of an exemplary imitation candle device.

FIG. 2(B) illustrates certain components including a touch-sensitivestructure of an exemplary imitation candle device.

FIG. 2(C) illustrates is a side view of FIG. 2(B) including certaininternal candle components.

FIG. 3 illustrates components of an exemplary imitation candle device inmore detail.

FIG. 4(A) is a picture of an exemplary remote control device for animitation candle device.

FIG. 4(B) illustrates components of the remote control device of FIG.4(A).

FIG. 4(C) illustrates an exemplary location of a microphone hole on theremote control device.

FIG. 4(D) illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram associated with aremote control device.

FIG. 5(A) is a series of exemplary user interface screens associatedwith an application for controlling the operations of an imitationcandle device.

FIG. 5(B) is a series exemplary user interface screens for setting atimer and controlling illumination properties of an imitation candledevice.

FIG. 5(C) is a series of exemplary user interface screens forcontrolling the operations of a group of imitation candle devices.

FIG. 5(D) is an exemplary user interface screen related to a blow outfeature of an imitation candle device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of electronic components of a device that canbe used to accommodate some of the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In this patent document, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving asan example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, useof the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretemanner.

Imitation candle devices can simulate a real candle with a flame thatresembles a real-life flame with flickering effects using optical,mechanical and electrical components. The disclosed embodiments providefurther features and functionalities that enhance the operation of thesedevices, and in some cases, enable additional features that cannot beobtained with real candles.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imitation candle device 102 with anassociated remote control device 106 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. The flame element 104 protrudes upward from the body of theimitation candle device 102, and the top portion 108 of the body isformed to resemble a melted candle wax to enhance the resemblance of thecandle device 102 to a real candle. The remote control device 106 isconfigured to operate with the imitation candle device 102 via awireless channel. For example, the remote control device 106 can includean infrared transmitter to provide various commands and signals to aninfrared receiver of the imitation candle device 102. In someembodiments, other wireless communication protocols and techniques, suchas Bluetooth, cellular, WiFi, etc., can be used. In certainapplications, the communication channel that allows remote control ofthe imitation candle device can include a wired communication channel.

FIGS. 2(A), 2(B) and 2(C) illustrate some of the components of anexemplary imitations candle device including an enclosure 214 thathouses the internal candle components, and a flame element 202 thatprotrudes from top of the enclosure 214. The flame element 202 includesa hole 208 that allows a support structure 206 to pass through the holeto suspend the flame element 202. The ends of the support structure 206are secured within slots 216 that are formed on top of the enclosure214. As shown in the exemplary diagram of FIG. 2(A), the supportstructure 206 is bent at two ends to fit within the slots 216, and theis slightly bent downwards at the location of the hole 208. The topportion of the enclosure include an indentation to accommodate a plate210 in the form of an annulus. It should be noted that in otherimplementations, the plate 210 can include other shapes, such asrectangular or triangular shapes, can be configured to not fullyencircle the flame element 202 and/or made smaller or larger in size. Aswill be described in detail below, the annulus not only operates as adecorative element to hide the internal candle components from plainview and secures the ends of the support structure 206 in place, it alsoenables touch-sensitive operation of the candle.

A light source 212, such as an LED, can be placed inside the enclosure214, as shown in FIG. 2(C). The light source 212 can, for example,project light of suitable color and/or intensity to the flame element202. In some implementations, more than one light source 212 is used toilluminate the flame element 202 from one side, and/or from both sides.In some embodiments, the light source 212 can be an incandescent lightsource, a plasma light source, a laser light source, or can includeother suitable light producing mechanisms.

FIG. 3 shows additional details of the components of an exemplaryimitation candled device that includes a flame element 302 that issuspended by a steel wire support structure 306. The bottom section ofthe flame element 302 below the steel wire support structure 306 caninclude a magnetic element 320 that interacts with a magnetic fieldproduced by a coil 316. The coil 316 can be energized by control signalsgenerated by electronic circuits that are located on, for example, a PCBboard 318. In some implementations, the electronic circuits can generatepulses that cause the electromagnet to turn on and off, to vary theproduced magnetic field strength, or to reverse polarity, at particulartime instances. In one example, the signals that energize the coil 306is a pulse-width modulated signal. In other examples, such signalsprovide an amplitude modulated, a phase modulated or a frequencymodulated signal to the coil 306. Due to interactions of the magneticelement 320 with the magnetic field of the coil 306, the flame element302 can oscillate and produce a flickering effect when illuminated bythe light produced by the one or more light source 314. The imitationcandle device can further include a wireless receiver component receivesand decodes wireless signals transmitted thereto. For example, somecomponents of such a wireless receiver can be located on the PCB board318, and can operate based on one or more wireless technologies andprotocols, such as infrared technology, Bluetooth or cellular protocols.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a ring 304 that is positioned on top of theimitation candle housing, around and in the vicinity of the flameelement 302. In some embodiments, the ring 304 serves as a decorativepiece to hide the internal components of the imitation candle deviceand/or to resemble melted wax. In this regard, the ring 304 can have aparticular color and/or reflectivity to produce the desired visualeffect when viewed under ambient illumination, or under the scatteredand/or reflected illumination of the candle light source 314. In someembodiments, the ring 304 operates as a touch sensitive on-off switch.In particular, the ring 304 can be made of conductive material thatforms a capacitive element in electrical connection with one or morecomponents on the PCB board 318. When a user's finger contacts, or iswithin close proximity of, the ring 304, a capacitive contact is formedto complete a circuit. The touch-sensitive mechanism can be used forturning the candle on or off, or for controlling other functions of theimitation candle in a step-wise manner. For example, each touch canincrease or decrease intensity of the light source 314, to switch thecolor of light, or to change a mode of operation (e.g., from flickeringto constant intensity). In some embodiments, the touch sensitive element(shaped as a ring, or other shapes) includes two segments that arepreferably poisoned at two different sides of the flame element on thetop surface of the imitation candle device. In such embodiments, thetwo-piece touch sensitive element is configured to operate as a switch(e.g., conduct a current) only if both segments of the touch sensitiveelement are touched. For example, a user can touch one segment of thetouch sensitive element that is positioned close to, and on one side of,the flame element with his/her thumb, and the other segment of the touchsensitive element that is positioned close to, and on an opposite sideof, the flame element with his/her index finger to activate the switchand turn off the imitation candle device. As such, the multi-segmenttouch element can be used to simulate the appearance that the user isextinguishing the candle flame using his/her fingers.

The imitation candle device of FIG. 3 also includes a microphone 310that is held in place within the interior of the imitation candle deviceby a microphone support element 308. The microphone 310 convertsacoustic signals into electrical signals that are provided to anelectronic component on the PCB board 318. The microphone 310 ispositioned closer to the top surface of the imitation candle device tointercept sound waves that travel into the interior of the imitationcandle device. For example, the top section of the imitation candledevice can include an opening (e.g., the same opening that allows lightfrom the light source 314 to reach the flame element 302) that allowsthe microphone to capture acoustic waves that travel down into theinterior of the imitation candle device. In this way, when a user blowsin the direction of the imitation flame element 302, the blow iscaptured by the microphone 310, and the appropriate signals aregenerated to turn off the imitation candle device.

The electrical signals produced by the microphone 310 can be processedby the components of the PCB board 318. The PCB board 318 can, forexample, include filters, analog-to-digital circuits and/or a processoror controller (e.g., a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),an FPGA, an ASIC, etc.) that receive signals representing the capturedsound waves. The processor can execute program code stored on anon-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, a RAM or other memorydevice, to analyze the signals corresponding to the sound waves and todetermine that a blow has occurred. Upon detection of a blow, acorresponding signal can be produced to turn off the light source 314and/or the entire imitation candle device. The program code that isexecuted by the processor can include an algorithm that differentiatesbetween captured sounds of blowing air and other sounds such as clappingor human conversation.

In some embodiments, the blow detection circuitry can be implemented asa separate component from other components of the PCB board 318. Forexample, the blow detection can be implemented using analog or digitalcircuits. In some embodiments, to facilitate the detection of a blow,the microphone 310 that is mounted is coupled to an amplifier togenerate an AC signal above a predetermined threshold voltage value(e.g., 200 mV), or a within a predetermined range of values (e.g., 200mV to 3.5 V). Whereas the sound pressure/level due to a blow providesvoltage values above such a threshold (or within such predeterminedrange of values), other sounds, such as a clapping sound, detected bythe microphone can only generate an AC signal below the threshold value(e.g., at 20-100 mV), or outside of the predetermined range of valuesthat correspond to the detection of the blow. The resulting signal ofthe amplifier can be further coupled to a second stage amplifier with ahigh amplification factor (e.g., 100 to 300 times). In someimplementations, the second stage amplifier is a capacitive couplingtransistor amplifier that forms a square wave that is provided to theprocessor to shut down the candle device. If the captured sound waveproduces a signal below the threshold, such a signal does not activatethe second stage amplifier (e.g., the transistor amplifier), and thusthe appropriate signal for shutting down the candle device is notgenerated. It should be noted that, in the above description, voltagevalues are provided as examples to facilitate the understanding of thedisclosed embodiments. It is, however, understood that othermeasurements, such as measured current values, may be used foridentifying the blow, and/or different ranges of values may be used toeffectuate the identification.

It should be noted the above description has been provided withreference to an imitation candle device with a moving flame element. Itis, however, understood that the use of a microphone for blow detectioncan be implemented in other imitation candle configurations, such asthose that utilize non-magnetic means for moving the flame element, incandle devices with a stationary flame element, or any other imitationcandle device that can accommodate a microphone and the associatedcircuitry. Moreover, in some applications, the disclosed technology maybe implanted as part of an imitation fireplace, an imitation candelabra,or other lighting fixtures. Further, in some implementations, a deviceother than a microphone, such as flow sensor, can be used to detect theblow.

As noted in connection with FIG. 1, the disclosed imitation candledevices may be equipped with a remote control device that enablescontrol of various candle functionalities from a remote location. Anexemplary remote control device 400 is shown in FIG. 4(A). Variousbuttons on the remote control device 400 enable a user to remotelycontrol various features of one or more associated imitation candledevices. In particular, an on-off button 402 allows the imitation candledevice to be turned on or off remotely. The brightness/dimness of thecandle device is controlled by two switches, 404(a) and 404(b), that arepositioned below the on-off button 402, and the speed of the flickeringand/or movement of the candle's flame element is controlled via switches406(a) and 406(b). The remote control device 400 further includes one ormore timer buttons 408 (e.g., 4-stage timer buttons) that allow theimitation candle device to operate for any one of several timeddurations (e.g., a 4-hour, a 6-hour, a 8-hour or a 10-hour duration)before the candle device is automatically turned off. To activate thetimer operation, a user can, for example, press the central timer buttonfollowed by the desired duration button. The remote control device 400can also include additional buttons (e.g., a candle selection button, ablow on-off activation button, a wireless coupling button, etc.) toenable additional operations and communications with one or moreimitation candle devices.

FIG. 4(B) illustrates an exploded view of the components of theexemplary remote control device of FIG. 4(A). An upper cover 401includes openings that accommodate different buttons, such as a powerbutton 403, a circular button 405 with quad activation sections and oneor more timer buttons 407. A flexible layer 409 (such as a siliconesheet) with appropriate stiffness is positioned below the buttons on topof a PCB board 411 that includes electronic circuitry. The remotecontrol device also includes a negative side spring 413 and positiveside spring 415 and screws 417. A microphone 419 is placed on amicrophone board 429 to capture sounds and to generate electric signalstherefrom. The remote control device may also includes a side cover 421that allows (e.g., through a hole in the side cover 421) an infraredreceiver and/or transmitter to communicate with another device. A weight423 may also be added, as needed, to assist with obtaining the desiredweight and/or balance for the remote control device. The bottom cover425 includes a battery compartment that accommodates one or morebatteries and the corresponding battery cover 427.

As evident from FIG. 4(B), the remote control device includes amicrophone 419 and the corresponding circuit broad 429 that are used forcapturing and identifying a blow. FIG. 4(C) illustrates an exemplarylocation of microphone hole on the top cover of the remote controldevice. Similar to the above description regarding the imitation candledevice, in some embodiments, a user can blow at the remote controldevice in the vicinity of the microphone hole to control a functionalityof the imitation candle device, such as to turn the candle off.

FIG. 4(D) illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram associated with theelectrical components of the remote control device. The circuit ispowered (at VDD) using a battery, such as a CR2032 lithium buttonbattery that supplies a voltage in the range 2.2 to 3.2 V to the chipU1. In some implementations, the chip U1 includes a microprocessor. Itis, however, understood that the chip U1 may include, or be designed as,an FPGA, an ASIC, a DSP, or discrete circuit components. The chip U1controls various operations of the remote control device, such asdetecting that a switch (e.g., one of switches S1 to S10) has beenpressed. The chip U1 includes an IRout pin that controls an infrared LEDfor transmitting an infrared signal to another device. The electriccurrent from the battery is filtered by capacitors C1 and C2 andprovided to the IR LED. A microphone (MIC1) is coupled to a two-stageelectronic circuitry, notably transistors Q1 and Q2 and associatedbiasing and amplification components (e.g., resistors R2-R5). In someembodiments, the chip U1 reaming in an idle operating status when a“high” voltage is present at an input pin that corresponds to a certainfunctionality, such as an on/off functionality, a timing functionality,a brightness increase functionality, a brightness decreasefunctionality, a pause/slow/stop flame movement functionality, afluctuating/fast/start flame movement functionality, a blow detectionfunctionality, and so on. In such embodiments, the chip U1 waits until alow signal occurs. For example, when a blow is directed to themicrophone hole of the remote control device, a sound a wave having acertain intensity or sound pressure is produced at the head of themicrophone. In an exemplary embodiment, such a blow generates an ACsignal of about 200 mV or more that is subsequently amplified by 100-300times, forming square waves that pull the appropriate input of the chipU1 to a low voltage value for a predetermined duration. As a result, theinfrared transmitter is activated and a signal is transmitted to thecandle device to turn the candle off. Implementing the blow detectioncircuits as a separate subsystem of the remote control system (as donein the exemplary diagram of FIG. 4(D)) allows the blow detectioncapability to be added to an existing remote control device withouthaving to redesign the internal circuits or programming of the chip U1.In addition, implementation of the blow detection subsystem in discretecomponents can allow faster detection speed since additional delays dueto processing by the chip U1 are avoided. As noted earlier, thedisclosed embodiments also prevent inadvertent activation of thisfeature based on background noises and unwanted sounds. In someembodiments, the blow detection circuitry and/or associated recognitionsoftware instructions can be adapted to cause a fluttering movement ofthe simulated flame. For example, if the strength of the detected blowis below a particular threshold (e.g., a particular voltage value), theblow can be identified as not being strong enough to extinguish thesimulated flame. As such, the detection of such a blow can cause theintensity and pattern of illumination of the flame element to change tosimulate a real candle that is fluttering in the wind.

It is thus evident that, in one aspect of the disclosed technology, animitation candle device is provided that includes a body, a flameelement protruding from top of the body, one or more light sourcespositioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of atrue fire flame, a sensor positioned within the body to detect a blow ofair directed at the imitation candle device, and electronic circuitrypositioned within the body to receive electrical signals produced by thesensor and to modify an output light of the one or more light sources inresponse to detection of the blow. In one exemplary embodiment, thesensor is a microphone that produces the electrical signals in responseto detection of an acoustic wave. In another exemplary embodiment, thesensor is an air flow sensor that produces the electrical signals inresponse to detection of flowing air in the vicinity of the air flowsensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the imitation candle deviceincludes an opening at a top section of the body in the vicinity of theflame element to receive the blow of air and to direct at least aportion of the blow to within the body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry isconfigured to differentiate the received electrical signals that areassociated with the blow of air from the received electrical signalsthat are nor associated with the blow of air. For example, the receivedelectrical signals that are not associated with the blow of air caninclude electrical signals associated with: an ambient noise, a clap, ora human speech. In another exemplary embodiment, the electroniccircuitry includes a first stage detection circuit coupled to the sensorto receive the electrical signals produced by the sensor, and a secondstage detection circuit having an input that is coupled to an output ofthe first stage detection circuit. The second stage detection circuithas an output that indicates the detection of the blow in response toreceiving a voltage or a current value within a predetermined range fromthe first stage detection circuit. For example, the first stagedetection circuit produces an output in the predetermined range upondetection of the electrical signals that correspond to the blow, andproduces an output that is outside of the predetermined range upondetection of the electrical signals that do not correspond to the blow.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry, inresponse to detection of the blow, turns off one or more of the lightsources. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry,in response to detection of the blow, turns off the imitation candledevice. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is configured toturn off the imitation candle device in response to detection of theblow for a predetermined duration of time. In yet another embodiment,the imitation candle device further includes a touch sensitive componentpositioned on, or close to, an outer surface of the body to sense atouch and to produce an electrical signal in response to the detectedtouch that turns the imitation candle device, or the one or more of thelight sources, on or off. According to another exemplary embodiment, thetouch sensitive component is shaped as an annulus that encircles theflame element.

In some exemplary embodiments, the imitation candle device furtherincludes a remote control device that is configured to transmit a signalto the electronic circuits to control one or more operations of theimitation candle device. In one exemplary embodiment, the remote controldevice includes an electronic circuit board and a microphone coupled tothe electronic circuit board. The microphone is positioned to interceptsounds through an opening on the remote control device, to produce anelectrical signal in response to the detected sounds, and to provide theelectrical signals to a component on the electronic circuit board. Forexample, the component on the electronic circuit board can includes atwo-stage detection circuitry having an output that indicates thedetection of a blow of air in response to detecting a voltage or acurrent value within a predetermined range.

In some exemplary embodiments, the remote control device furthercomprises a wireless transmission device that is activated to produce asignal for transmission to a receiver device within the body of theimitation candle device upon detection of the output that indicates thedetection of a blow of air. For example, the wireless transmissiondevice can include one or more of: an infrared transmission device, aBluetooth transmission device, or a cellular transmission device.

In some embodiments, the remote control functionalities and features areimplemented as a application on an electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or similar devices. Such an applicationenables different features to be implemented in a user-friendly manneron a graphical user interface (GUI), and further facilitates theaddition of new features and/or improvements via software updates. FIGS.5(A) to 5(C) provide exemplary user interface screens of one exemplaryapplication. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the application candetermine as to whether or not a particular imitation candle device iswithin the range of communication, and provides an indication if theapplication is unable to establish a link with one or more candles. Forexample, such a link can be established via Bluetooth. The applicationfurther enables a user to select a particular candle device among aplurality of candle devices, as shown in FIG. 5(A)'s selection of MatrixCandle 1. As further shown in FIG. 5(A), once a particular candle deviceis selected, the user interface allows the selected candle to be turnedon or off by selecting the on-off button, and activating the button asneeded.

FIG. 5(B) illustrates activation of additional functionalities throughthe user interface. In particular, in the exemplary user interfacescreen in FIG. 5(B), the timer selection option allows setting of astart time, an end time and repetition period. The timer setting canfurther be customized to activate the desired feature on particular daysof the week (e.g., by clicking on or highlighting the particular day(s)of interest on the menu of the user interface). The remote applicationfurther allows the selection of an appropriate candle light intensityby, for example, clicking on one of the segments of the depicted lightwheel. Such a selection allows adjustment of light intensity in orderto, for example, accommodate different moods and/or different ambientlighting conditions. The movement of the flame element can also becontrolled via the remote application, by, for example, selecting anamount of flicker on a sliding bar that ranges from full flicker to anappearance of a static flame. Additional control features (e.g., via asecond sliding bar) may also be provided to control the speed offlickering. Upon selection of the appropriate level of light intensityand/or flame movement, the appropriate control signals are generated atthe remote control device and transmitted to the imitation candledevice. Upon reception of such control signals, the imitation candledevice adjusts or activates/deactivates the selected features.

FIG. 5(C) illustrates additional exemplary operations and selectioncapabilities of the remote control application. For example, selectionof an item on the Main Menu (e.g., Home, Blow Out, news, Profile, Aboutand Privacy) allows the user to navigate through the corresponding menuitem. One feature of the disclosed remote application enables theselection of a group of candle devices. Such a group can, for example,be formed by selecting individual candle devices to be part of thegroup, and assigning a group name (e.g., by typing a desired groupname). Once a group is formed, various functionalities of the candledevices within the group can be activated and/or adjusted. For example,as shown in FIG. 5(C), group timer selection, group time settings, grouplight intensity selection and group flame movement selection can be madein a similar manner as described in connection with an individual candledevice. Additionally, if desired, a single disconnect button on the userinterface can sever communications with all devices within the group orgroups.

The blow on-off functionality can also be activated via the userinterface by selection the Blow Out item on the main menu (see FIG.5(C)). Once the blow out functionality on the remoted device isactivated, the application can provide a notification to the user (seeFIG. 5(D)) that the candle device can be turned off by blowing into themicrophone of the electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone). The candleapplication receives the signals that are produced by the device'smicrophone, and upon detection of the blow, generates an appropriatesignal for transmission to the candle device. The candle device, uponreceiving the signal from the remote control device, turns the candleoff. In some implementations, the blow is detected by processing theintensity and/or pattern of data that is received from the microphone todistinguish and prevent ambient or unwanted sounds from inadvertentlygenerating a blow off signal. Such a processing can, for example,include correlation and pattern recognition operations that produce amatch only when a pattern and/or intensity of a blow is detected. Insome implementations, the detection of the blow is carried outcooperatively between the remote control device and the imitation candledevice.

In some embodiments, a variety of imitation candle devices (e.g.,produced by the same manufacturer) can be operated by a singlemulti-customized remote control device (e.g., a dedicated remote controldevice, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), or remotecontrol implemented on an electronic device). The function buttons orselections on the remote control device allows a user to controldifferent features of the imitation candle device (e.g., the brightnessto dimness, fast to slow movement/flame, different hours of timer) foreach of the imitation candle devices individually, or as a group. Suchselectivity, greatly enhances the user's interactions with multipledevices, and enables detailed customization of the desired candlefunctions for candles that are located in different locations andambient conditions. In one example, the remote control device isIR-based and can operate on multiple frequencies. In some embodiments,the remote control device is configured to ascertain remote controloperating frequencies from other imitation candle products and devicesand, once obtained, effectuate remote control of the functionalities ofthose devices. For example, the remote control device can attemptcommunicating with an unknown imitation candle device at differentoperating frequencies in a trial and error fashion until the unknownimitation candle device responds (e.g., turns off). In one exampleimplementation, an infrared remote control candle operates at 32 KHzfrequency. In another example, the candle can accept and receive aplurality of codes (e.g., 1 through N) to identify particular candles(e.g., entered by a user). Moreover, in some embodiments, a user mayhave a specific identification code that identifies a specific user.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device 600 within which some ofthe disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The device 600 comprisesat least one processor 602 and/or controller, at least one memory 604unit that is in communication with the processor 602, and at least onecommunication unit 606 that enables the exchange of data andinformation, directly or indirectly, through the communication link 608with other entities, devices and networks. The communication unit 606may provide wired and/or wireless communication capabilities inaccordance with one or more communication protocols, and therefore itmay comprise the proper transmitter/receiver (transceiver) antennas,circuitry and ports, as well as the encoding/decoding capabilities thatmay be necessary for proper transmission and/or reception of data andother information.

For example, the device 600 can facilitate implementation of animitation candle system. Such a system includes an imitation candledevice and a portable electronic device wirelessly coupled to theimitation candle device. The imitation candle device includes a body, aflame element protruding from top of the body, one or more light sourcespositioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of atrue fire flame, and electronic circuitry to control at least an outputof the one or more light sources. The electronic circuitry also includesa wireless receiver to receive wireless signals. The portable electronicdevice includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and amemory including processor executable code. The processor executablecode, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronicdevice to present a graphical user interface on the display. Thegraphical user display includes buttons or fields that allow activationof a blow off feature of the imitation candle device by blowing on theportable electronic device, and activation one or more of the followingoperations of the imitation candle device: a power-on or power-offoperation, a selection of a particular imitation candle device, aselection of a timer feature, a setting of a timer value, a selection ofa light intensity level, an adjustment of a light intensity level, aselection of a movement of the flame element, a setting of a level ofmovement of the flame element, or a selection of a group of imitationcandle devices.

In one exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device furtherincludes a microphone. In this embodiment, the processor executablecode, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronicdevice to, upon activation of the blow off feature on the electronicdevice, detect an intensity or pattern of electrical signals produced bythe microphone that correspond to a blow of air, and to activate thewireless transceiver of the electronic device to transmit a signal tothe imitation candle device to allow the imitation candle device to beturned off. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor executablecode, when executed by the processor, configures the wirelesstransceiver to, upon selection of the particular imitation candledevice, transmit a signal to the particular imitation candle device toestablish a wireless connection with the particular imitation candledevice. In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver can be configuredto operate according to a Bluetooth or a cellular wireless communicationprotocol.

In some embodiments, the above noted system includes one or moreadditional imitation candle devices. In such embodiments, the processorexecutable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portableelectronic device to, upon the selection of a group comprising more thanone imitation candle device, transmit command signals to conductidentical operations on all imitation candle devices in the group. Forexample, the command signals can include one or more of: an indicationto change light intensity levels, an indication to change movement levelof flame elements, an indication to change set timer values, anindication to turn off all imitation candle devices, or an indication todisconnect all imitation candle devices.

In one exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device is one of asmart phone, a table device, or a laptop computer. In another exemplaryembodiment, the imitation candle device further includes a magneticdrive, and a magnetic element coupled to a bottom section of the flameelement that interacts with the magnetic drive to cause movement of theflame element. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the processorexecutable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portableelectronic device to, upon the selection of a movement of the flameelement and setting of the movement to a particular level, transmit asignal to the imitation candle device to cause a change in amount ofmovement of the flame element.

Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the generalcontext of methods or processes, which may be implemented in oneembodiment by a computer program product, embodied in acomputer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions,such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. Acomputer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storagedevices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), RandomAccess Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD),etc. Therefore, the computer-readable media can include a non-transitorystorage media. Generally, program modules may include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, andprogram modules represent examples of program code for executing stepsof the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of suchexecutable instructions or associated data structures representsexamples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions describedin such steps or processes.

Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices ormodules using hardware circuits, software, or combinations thereof. Forexample, a hardware circuit implementation can include discrete analogand/or digital components that are, for example, integrated as part of aprinted circuit board. Alternatively, or additionally, the disclosedcomponents or modules can be implemented as an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or as a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) device. Some implementations may additionally or alternativelyinclude a digital signal processor (DSP) that is a specializedmicroprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needsof digital signal processing associated with the disclosedfunctionalities of this application. Similarly, the various componentsor sub-components within each module may be implemented in software,hardware or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and/orcomponents within the modules may be provided using any one of theconnectivity methods and media that is known in the art, including, butnot limited to, communications over the Internet, wired, or wirelessnetworks using the appropriate protocols.

The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description. The foregoing description is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the presentinvention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings or may beacquired from practice of various embodiments. The embodiments discussedherein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles andthe nature of various embodiments and its practical application toenable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments describedherein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods,apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imitation candle system, comprising: animitation candle device, comprising: a body; a flame element protrudingfrom top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminatethe flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; andelectronic circuitry to control at least the an output of the one ormore light sources, the electronic circuitry including a wirelessreceiver to receive wireless signals; a portable electronic devicewirelessly coupled to the imitation candle device and including: adisplay; a wireless transceiver; a processor; and a memory includingprocessor executable code, the processor executable code, when executedby the processor, configures the portable electronic device to present agraphical user interface on the display, wherein the graphical userdisplay includes buttons or fields that allow activation of a blow offfeature of the imitation candle device on the electronic device, andactivation of one or more of the following operations of the imitationcandle device: a power-on or power-off operation; a selection of aparticular imitation candle device; a selection of a timer feature; asetting of a timer value; a selection of a light intensity level; anadjustment of a light intensity level; a selection of a movement of theflame element; a setting of a level of movement of the flame element; ora selection of a group of imitation candle devices.
 2. The imitationcandle system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device furtherincludes a microphone, and the processor executable code, when executedby the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, uponactivation of the blow off feature on the electronic device, detect anintensity or pattern of electrical signals produced by the microphonethat correspond to a blow of air; and activate the wireless transceiverof the electronic device to transmit a signal to the imitation candledevice to allow the imitation candle device to be turned off.
 3. Theimitation candle system of claim 1, wherein the processor executablecode, when executed by the processor, configures the wirelesstransceiver to, upon selection of the particular imitation candledevice, transmit a signal to the particular imitation candle device toestablish a wireless connection with the particular imitation candledevice.
 4. The imitation candle system of claim 3, wherein the wirelesstransceiver is configured to operate according to a Bluetooth or acellular wireless protocol.
 5. The imitation candle system of claim 1,including one or more additional imitation candle devices, wherein theprocessor executable code, when executed by the processor, configuresthe portable electronic device to, upon the selection of a groupcomprising more than one imitation candle device, transmit commandsignals to conduct identical operations on all imitation candle devicesin the group.
 6. The imitation candle system of claim 5, wherein thecommand signals include one or more of: an indication to change lightintensity levels; an indication to change movement level of flameelements; an indication to change set timer values; an indication toturn off all imitation candle devices; or an indication to disconnectall imitation candle devices.
 7. The imitation candle system of claim 1,wherein the portable electronic device is one of a smart phone, a tabledevice, or a laptop computer.
 8. The imitation candle system of claim 1,wherein the imitation candle device further includes a magnetic drive,and a magnetic element coupled to a bottom section of the flame elementthat interacts with the magnetic drive to cause movement of the flameelement.
 9. The imitation candle system of claim 8, wherein theprocessor executable code, when executed by the processor, configuresthe portable electronic device to, upon the selection of a movement ofthe flame element and the setting of the movement to a particular level,transmit a signal to the imitation candle device to cause a change inamount of movement of the flame element.
 10. The imitation candle systemof claim 1, wherein the imitation candle device further comprises atouch sensitive component positioned on, or close to, an outer surfaceof the body to sense a touch and to produce an electrical signal inresponse to the detected touch that turns the imitation candle device,or the one or more of the light sources, on or off.
 11. The imitationcandle system of claim 10, wherein the touch sensitive component isshaped as an annulus that encircles the flame element.
 12. The imitationcandle system of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver includes aninfrared transceiver device.
 13. The imitation candle system of claim 1,wherein the processor executable code, when executed by the processor,configures the portable electronic device to, upon detection of a blowfor a predetermined period of time, transmit a signal to the imitationcandle device to cause the imitation candle device to be turned off.